The Effects of Catnip on Your Cat

May 10, 2019

As a pet owner, you’re probably familiar with the often mesmerizing reaction that many cats have to catnip.

As a pet owner, you’re probably familiar with the
often mesmerizing reaction that many cats have to catnip. About half of cats
love the stuff, while others may not be enthused by it. So what is it about
this plant that some cats can’t get enough of? The catnip herb contains
nepetalactone, which attracts and affects cats. The reaction many cats have to
this substance is referred to as a sort of “high,” causing their pupils to
dilate, often making them drool or become very playful. But what is happening
to your cat when they smell and eat this herb?

Nepetalactone

Nepetalactone is an interesting substance that
affects about 50% of cats. When sniffed, it acts as a stimulant, often causing cats to become very playful, rolling
over on the ground and generally being hyperactive. But when eaten, catnip acts
as a sedative, sometimes causing cats to drool, purr, or fall asleep. The
nepetalactone is released from catnip by bruising the plant, so cats will
scratch, rub, or bite the leaves and stems to release the substance.

Varying Behaviors

If your cat reacts to catnip, they may behave
in a number of ways. There are a wide array of behaviors that can be induced by
nepetalactone, so your cat may behave differently than other
cats you have given catnip before. Some cats will run throughout their home,
roll around on the ground, meow more (or less) than normal, or become very
playful with their toys. Most of the time, the effects of catnip wear off after
about 10 minutes.

Habituation

If cats are given nepetalactone often and
consistently, they may become less sensitive to it. It’s recommended to limit
the use of catnip with your furry friends to about once every two to three
weeks in order to prevent habituation. It should also be noted that very young
cats may not appear sensitive to catnip. This sensitivity tends to appear when
a cat is several months old, so if your kitten doesn’t react to catnip, they
might become sensitive when they are older!

We Would Love the Opportunity to
Care for Your Furry Friends!

Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital
located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and
Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and
understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to
strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.